Rotary engine



F. L. CAUT. ROTARY ENGINE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 17, 1919.

Patented Feb. 24, 1920.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

F. L. CAUT. ROTARY ENGINE. APPLICATION HLED JULY 17, 1919.

Patented Feb. 24,1920.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Inventor FL. C a/u/fi,

F. L. CAUT.

ROTARY ENGINE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 17. I9l9.

1,33 1,485. Patented Feb. 24,1920.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

IIIIII Inventor JT'L .Ca: ufb,

Attorney F. L. CAUT. ROTARY ENGINE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 17.1919.

1,331,485. Patented Feb. 24,1920.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

jf'ttoz'neg F. L. CAUT.

ROTARY ENGINE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 12. 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

Inventor .ZYLCa/u/Z,

11' tborney Patented Feb. 24, 1920.

FRANQOIS LOUIS CAUT, OF PARIS, FRANCE.

ROTARY ENGINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 24, 1920..

Application filed July 17, 1919. Serial No. 311,632.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANQOIS LOUIS CAUT, a citizen of the French Republic, residing in Paris, France, have invented certain new -and useful Improvements in Rotary Engines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a rotary engine without lift valves and consists in the arrangement of active parts constituted by pistons traveling in a circumferential series of oscillating barrels or cylinders mounted in one and the same fixed frame and operating as both cylinders and distributers, the rods of which pistons are connected all in the same plane, to a common sleeve rotating with a single crank pin.

The invention also consists in securing in a rigid manner one of the pistons of the said engine to the common sleeve, in the working of the engine in any application.

The invention further consists in providing the crank shaft with a' variable throw crank pin hydraulically or mechanically controlled, for the purpose of enabling different speeds to be obtained. It covers finally certain modified constructions of details which will be indicated hereinafter.

A construction of the said rotary engine is illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation, partly in section, showing certain inner arrangements,

Fig. 2 a horizontal cross-section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 a plan of a power system for a motor car chassis to which the said engine is applied as a change speed and reversing gear and a brake,

Fig. 4 a partial cross-section of the central part of a rotary engine showing the crank sha ft provided with a variable crank pin.

Fig. 5 a diagram of a power system of the above kind only the engine which operates as a pump being provided with. a variable crank pin,

Fig. 5 also illustrates the first mentioned improvement,

Figs. 610 a modified construction of the crank pin of variable stroke, I

Fig. 6 being a section through the axis of the crank shaft of the engine according to the said modified construction,

Fig. 7 a similar section in a perpendicular plane, that is to say, on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 a partial section on the line 88 of Fig. 6, the crank pin being on the dead center,

Fig. 9 a similar section to Fig. 8, the crank pin being in the position corresponding to the maximum travel, and

Fig. 10 another partial section on the line 1010 of Fig. 1.

The term engine is used in its broad sense and the apparatus is suitable for various applications and can be used as a pump, an air or vapor engine of variable power, a power transmitting gear with change speed and reversing, or a brake.

This rotary engine chiefly comprises a rim or ring 1 in which is formed a circumferential series of cylindrical seats (eight in the example illustrated) in which can turn without play barrels 2. Each of the latter is provided in the center of its thickness with a cylindrical bore 3 in which can travel a piston 4. The rods of all the pistons 1 are constituted by fiat bars 5, each of which forms with the corresponding piston a rigid Whole. The whole of the bars 5 are pivoted on pins 6 arranged along a circumference and in one and the same plane, in a groove in a sleeve 7 which is freely rotatable on a crank pin 8. The ends of the latter are secured to disks 9, 10 provided in their center with journals 11, 12 rotating in ball or plain bearings 13, 14.

The rim or ring 1 is held between two side plates 15, 16, in the recessed central part of which are mounted the bearings for the journals 11, 12. Around the circumferential series of the barrels 2 and at each side of a central web 17, the ring 1 has two circular cavities or recesses 18, 19 covered by the side plates 15 and 16, grooves being provided for this engagement of and for packing the joints between these parts.

Each of the recesses 18, 19 communicates with each of the cylindrical seats of the barrels 2, through two oblique conduits 20, 21 opening into the said seats at a distance apart equal at least to the diameter of the corresponding piston, so as not to communicate direct with each other, and so that one of them should be always closed by the circumferential periphery of the barrel 2, whatever be the position occupied by the latter.

The recesses 18 and 19 thus form two collectors connecting together all the conduits 20 or 21 situated at one and the same side of the apparatus. Opposite each of the collectors, and on the outer part of each side plate, are arranged four perforated bosses 22 enabling each collector to be connected, by means of one or more pipe branches, and in any direction to the general admission and discharge pipes.

The side plates 15, 16 are moreover pro vided with feet 23 by means of which the apparatus can be secured in any desired position, vertically, horizontally or obliquely.

Recesses 24 are provided on the fiat surface of the barrels, owing to which it is possible to reduce to a minimum the contact surfaces which can be lubricated by means of conduits or holes provided in the side plates and connected to any suitable lubrication device.

The Working of the rotary device used as a pump, is as follows:

In any position of the crank pin 8, to the dead point of the piston which is farthest away from the journals of the shaft, there corresponds a dead point of the diametrically opposite piston which is nearest to the said journals. The axes of the cylinders of these two pistons are normal relatively to the center of rotation of the journals, so that the barrels of the said cylinders are in a position closing the two corresponding conduits 20, 21. But on the other hand, the other six pistons are in an oblique working position, three of them establishing communication between their cylinders and the inlet conduits, while the three opposite ones establish communication between their cyl inders and the discharge conduits.

It follows from the foregoing that, for the example illustrated, and according to the direction in which the crank pin may be rotated, the diametrically opposite pistons work successively, some drawing in, and the others discharging, and in a continuous manner.

By breaking up the collectors 18, 19 into fractions by means of partitions 188 isolating one or more cylinders, it is possible to get this rotary device to play the part of a pump for mixing liquids, and the said mixture could be done in the proportion, according to'the number of pistons isolated from each other. i

Besides its use as a pump, this device could be used as an air compressor, compressed air engine, steam engine, power transmission gear, brake etc.

As a compressed air engine, it could be applied to a motor car in combination with a compressed air tank for starting an explosion engine.

As a power transmission gear, two apparatus hydraulically connected together and arranged one on the engine shaft, and the other on the axle of the wheels of a motor vehicle, could form a whole by means of which power for driving could be transmitted with variation of speed and reversing, as well as the braking of the wheels effected.

In the construction shown by way of example in Fig. 3-, a rotary engine A such as described and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, is arranged behind the shaft of the ordinary engine M, and another similar engine B is arranged on the rear bridge or axle P of the driving wheels of a motor vehicle. A tank R is inserted into the hydraulic circuit which connects the two engines A and B. A distributer-regulator C is inserted between the engine A and the tank R, as well as between the two engines A, B on the driving circuit, for the purpose of obtaining transmission with variation of speed and for reversing. Another distributer-regulator D is inserted in the return hydraulic circuit connecting the engine B to the tank R, for the 'purpose of insuring braking.

In these conditions, according to the position that may be given to the plug of the distributer C, complete or partial circulation is obtained in the hydraulic circuit connecting together the two engines A and B, so that the latter rotate at equal speeds or at different speeds, this resulting in a more or less fast running of the vehicle. By reversing the direction of the openings of the distributer, a reverse speed will be obtained.

By acting on the two distributers C. D so as to stop any circulation of the liquid between the engine B and the tank R, and on the contrary allow free circulation between. the engine A and the tank R, it is possible to obtain braking of the rear wheels of the "ehicle, the ordinary engine M being then out of gear.

Several engines coupled together on one and the same shaft can constitute a pump or motor of high power.

For the purpose of maintaining constant the direction of the coupling sleeve 7 for all the piston rods 4 and of preventing it from shifting either under the action of the said pistons or under that of the crank, one of the said rods is rigidly connected by affixed pin 5- to the said sleeve 7 with its axis normal thereto which sleeve is thus rigidly held and cannot turn prematurely by moving forward or backward as might happen in the case of a sleeve to which all the rods are freely pivoted.

For the purpose of obtaining different speeds with the said rotary engine whatever be its application (pump, motor, motion transmitting gear, etc.) it may be provided with a crank, the eccentricity of the crank pin of which can be modified at will.

The said modified eccentricity may be obtained, for example, by one of the devices represented in Figs. 4 to 10. In the example according to Figs. 4 and 5, the said device controlled by hand, acts on the crank pin by means of the hydraulic pressure, while in the example represented in Figs. 6 to 10, the device, which is likewise controlled by hand, acts directly and mechanically on the crank pm.

In the construction represented in Fig. 4, the crank pin 8 on which the coupling sleeve 7 of the pistons 4 of the engine A (Fig. 5) is mounted, terminates at its ends in two pistons or plungers 25, 26 fitting in cylinders 27, 28 formed in casings which are integral with the journals 11 and 12 of the shaft of the engine A. These journals rotate in roller bearings supported by the side plates of the engine A.

The pistons 25, 26 are hollow and at the same time play the part of cylinders forother pistons 29, 30 arranged at the diametrically opposite end of each of the cylinders 27 28.

The bottom of the cylinder 27 is in communication, through a conduit 31 provided in the journal 12, and a pipe 32 with one cylinder of a hydraulic jack 33 (see Fig. 5) the piston-slide 34 of which can be operated by means of a hand wheel 35 and a screw spindle. Another cylinder of the said hydraulic jack, smaller than the former, is connected by a pipe 36 and. a conduit 37 also provided in the journal 12, and continued through the piston 29, to the inner cylindrical chamber of the piston 25.

The cylindrical chambers of the hydraulic jack 33 are proportional to those of the crank pin of the engine A (Fig. 5).

The cylindrical chambers of the pistons 28 and 30 are in communication with each other through a conduit which makes it possible to balance the forces exerted on the side of the crank pin, opposite to that exposed to the action of the hydraulic jack. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid any distortion of the crank pin by'insuring that the cylindrical chambers are always full and balancing each other.

In these conditions, with the engine running, if the hand wheel 35 is operated so as to bring the sliding piston 34 to the center of its stroke, there will be produced at the same time, owing to the combined discharge and suction actions which take place simul taneously in the cylinders 25 and 27, a movement of the crank pin 8 which in its turn will be brought to the middle of its travel that is to say in line with the journals 11 and 12, which position corresponds to the dead center, that is to say to the engine A being inoperative. If in this inoperative position of the engine A, the plug of the regulator C is turned so as to shut off any communication between the two engines A and B, a hydraulic braking action will be obtained on the engine B and consequently on all the driving axles 38 and 39 of the vehicle.

If, after having opened the regulator C, the slide 34 is moved in the direction to bring the crank pin 8 into an eccentric position, this eccentricity will result in putting into action the pistons of the pump A, and consequently the pistons of the motor B will be driven. The shaft of this engine will then rotate in the direction determined by the position given'to the plug of the regulator C.

It follows from the preceding that it is possible, by acting on the hydraulic jack, to give a greater or less eccentricity to the crank pin 8 of the pump A and therefore to obtain a whole range of speeds. The regulator G combined with the said jack, makes it possible to obtain reversing and variable speeds in both directions of running of the vehicle.

In the construction represented in Figs. 6 to 10, the crank shaft of the rotary engine likewise comprises a crank pin, the radius of eccentricity of which is rendered variable by means of a mechanism operated by hand but which acts directly and mechanically on the crank pin.

To that end, the journals 11 and 12 of the crank shaft are provided. inside the casing of the rotary engine, with disks 40, 41, to each of which is pivoted one of the ends of a pair of levers 42, 43 which are connected together by means of the crank pin 8. the radius of eccentricity of which is to be made variable. Near the center of the two disks 40, 41 are arranged disks 44, 45 which are secured to an eccentric rod 46 passing ]ongitudinally through a slot 47 in the crank pin 8. This slot or recess is so constructed that the eccentric rod 46 can drive the crank pin 8 with the two levers 42,43 supporting it, the latter levers turning then about their respective pivot pins 48 and 49.

The disk 44 of the eccentric rod 46 is integral with a screw 50 having a very steep pitch, on which is screwed a nut 51, the outer periphery of which is square and engages with a slight amount of friction in a hole of the same shape provided in the journal 11.

As the crank pin 8 must be capable of adjustment between two limiting positions determined, one by the center of the crank shaft, and the other by maximum radius of eccentricity, it is necessary to arrange the center of the disks 44, 45 which form journals for the eccentric rod 46, in a mean posi tion between these two end positions, as

clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9. It follows from the said arrangement that the screw 50 forming part of the disk 44, and the nut 51 which acts on the said screw, are in their turn eccentric relatively to the journals 11 and 12. In these conditions, in order to be able to act on the nut 51 during the rotation of the whole of the device, the end of the said nut forming a cap on the screw 50, is cranked and forms in its turn a small journal which is brought into the axis of rotation of the crank shaft. This journal is connected by a thrust ball bearing or ring 52 to the hub 53 of a hand wheel 54 which is screwed y means of a screw thread of very fine pitch, into a sleeve 55 which is secured to the casing of the engine.

The working is as follows In the application of the rotary engine as a change speed gear, when the crank pin 8 is in the center of the journals of the crank shaft, the fluid acting on the said engine passes through it without imparting any movement to its pistons, so that the said position of the crank pin 8 corresponds to a stoppage of any movement of the driven part.

When it is desired to set this part in motion, the hand wheel 54 is operated so as to transmit a certain thrust to the nut 51 which, being unable to rotate in the journal 11, acts on the screw 50 so as to turn it, and consequently to turn the eccentric rod 46. The latter acts in its turn on the crank pin 8 and moves it with its levers, bringing it into an eccentric position in accordance with the travel of the eccentric rod 46. The pistons being consequently moved into different positions, will be acted upon by the fluid and will transmit the said action to the driven part with a power and speed which will be commensurate with the degree of eccentricity given to the crank pin.

Another characteristic feature of the improvements made in the device forming the subject of the invention, consists in the liners or cylinders 2 in which travel the pistons 4, rotating in recesses of the rim 1 which are closed laterally by plugs 56 57 which are independent of the side plates 15 and 16 constituting the casing of the rotary apparatus. Circular joint or packing rings 58 are inserted near the edges of the plugs 56, 57 between the rim 1 and the lates 15, 16. In these conditions, any lea age of fluid between the cylinder 2 and its rece$, would be stopped by the circular joint 58 and prevented from passing outward.

Moreover, in this construction of the invention, the circular collectors 18, 19 connecting the cylinders 2 to each other and to the admission and discharge branches, are

constitutedby circumferential grooves provided on the circumference of the rim 1 and closed by rings 59 forced on the said rim.

This arrangement makes it possible to have a tight joint made once for all, which does away with the drawback of joints which, in the construction described in the prior specification had to be re-made every time that the plates 15, 16 were removed for gaining access to the cylinders 2.

The rings 59 may be provided with cooling ribs or with a water circulation chamber.

The above arrangements are given merely by way of example, the shapes, dimensions, details of execution and applications can vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A mechanism of the kind described comprising an annular body in which is mounted a circumferential series of oscillatory cylinders, pistons mounted in said cylinders and having rods, a sleeve mounted on a crank pin, the rods being connected to said sleeve, conduits provided in the annular body and controlled by the oscillation of the cylinders so as to establish communication alternately between the cylinders and said conduits, lateral collectors communicating with the said conduits, and admission and discharge pipes connected to said collectors.

2. A mechanism as set forth in claim 1, in which the collectors are divided by partitions so as to isolate the cylinders in a lu rality of groups, for the purpose descri d.

3. A plurality of mechanisms as claimed 100 in claim 1 coupled to an intermediate tank,

one acting as a pump and driven from the shaft of an ordinary engine, and the other acting as a motor and distributer-regulators for controlling the circulation of the hydraulic fluid between the two mechanisms and the tank.

4. A mechanism as set forth in claim 1, in which one of the pistons is rigidly secured to the sleeve of the crank, so as to maintain the constant direction of the said sleeve and prevent it from shifting under, the action either of the pistons or of the crank.

5. A mechanism of the-type set forth in claim 1, in which the-crank in is adjustable toward and away from t e axis of the annular body.

6. A mechanism of the type defined in claim 1, in which the crank pin is adjustable toward and away from the axis of the annular body, an eccentric post passing through said crank pin, a steep pitched screw carried by said post, a nut engaging the screw, and a hand wheel connected to said nut.

7. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, in which the body is provided with cylindrical recesses in which are mounted the cylinders,

and plugs closing the said recesses.

8. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, in which the collectors are in the form of grooves closed by rings separate from the casing, said rings being provided with cooling ribs.

9. A mechanism of the kind described comprising a casing provided with a circular series of cylindrical bores having axes which extend parallel to the axis of the easing, oscillating barrels located in the bores and each having a piston chamber, a shaft having a crank located within the casing,

a sleeve mounted on the crank, pistons mounted in the piston chambers, rods connecting the pistons and sleeve, a plurality of passages located within the casing, ports connecting the passages with one of the cylindrical bores and controlled by the oscil-- lation of one of the barrels, and nipples opening into said passages.

10. A mechanism as defined in claim 9, in which the crank is adjustable toward and away from the axis of the shaft.

11. A mechanism of the kind described comprising an annular casing provided with a circular series of cylindrical bores which are arranged between the axis and periphery of the casing and have axes extending parallel to the axis of the casing, oscillating barrels located in, the bores and provided with piston chambers having axes extending perpendicular to the axes of the bores, a shaft a crank mounted on the shaft, a sleeve mounted on the crank, pistons mounted in the piston chambers, rods connecting the pistons and sleeve, curved passages located between the bores and the periphery of the.

casing, a plurality of ports placing each of the bores in communication with the passages and alternately opened and closed by said barrels, and nipples opening into said passages.

12. A plurality of mechanism as defined in claim 11 coupled by piping to an intermediate tank, means for operating the shaft of one of said mechanisms tocause the same FRANQOIS LOUIS CAUT. Witness: CHAS. P. PRESSLEY. 

